Rights of access to information

At the present time, in addition to accessing the information identified in this Publication Scheme, you are entitled to request information about Whittington Hospital NHS Trust under the NHS Openness Code 1995. A paper copy is available free of charge from the Department of Health PO Box 777, London SE1 6XH or email doh@prolog.uk.com

Sometimes, some or all of the information cannot be provided and we will explain the reasons why not when this happens. The Freedom of Information Act recognises that as a member of the public, you have the right to know how public services such as the NHS are organised and run, how much they cost and how you can make complaints if you need to. You have the right to know which services are being provided, the targets that are being set, the standards of services that are expected and the results achieved.

From January 1st 2005 it will also oblige the Trust to respond to requests about the information which it holds and is recorded in any form and it will create a right of access to that information. The rights to request and access this information are subject to some exemptions which the Trust has to take into consideration before deciding what information can be released. Under the Data Protection Act 1998, you are also entitled to access your clinical records or any other personal information held about you.